Man arrested after burglary and attempted sexual assault

A homeless man has been arrested and held without bond following a burglary and attempted sexual assault. Lynn Elwood Harris, who lives on the streets of Smithfield, has been charged in connection with the incident.

According to Smithfield Police, the victim had a prior relationship with the suspect. On Saturday, July 20, around 1:00 PM, a 37-year-old woman was inside her West Smithfield home when she heard a noise. Upon investigating, she discovered that Harris had entered her residence through a partially open window. Harris reportedly produced a knife and attempted to sexually assault the woman.

The victim managed to dial 911. Emergency dispatchers heard a disturbance in the background and dispatched police to investigate. When Harris saw officers arriving at the home, he fled on foot. Police chased the 32-year-old man across the 1400 block of US 70, where he was apprehended.

Harris faces numerous charges, including attempted first-degree rape, kidnapping, felony breaking and entering, harassing phone calls, domestic trespassing, resisting an officer, and injury to property. The victim declined medical treatment. Police stated that the incident was not a random act.